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Seager's brother, Justin, drafted by Mariners

Seager's brother, Justin, drafted by Mariners

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Justin Seager was the Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year.

By Jacob Thorpe
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MLB.com |

With their 12th-round Draft choice, the Mariners didn't stray far from the nest, selecting first baseman Justin Seager, the younger brother of Seattle's starting third baseman, Kyle Seager. Still, the Mariners want him to step out of his brother's shadow.

The junior out of UNC-Charlotte stands an imposing 6-foot-4, four inches taller than his older brother. Justin is the third Seager brother to be drafted -- his younger brother, Corey, plays in the Dodgers' Minor League system after going in the first round of the 2012 Draft.

"What a neat thing," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said. "Whether it be next year in Spring Training or whenever it may be, to be wearing the same uniform, he's so excited. That was fun to see."

The elder Seager, who heard about the news just before Saturday's game against the Yankees, was thrilled to hear that his brother would be playing for the same organization.

"I was in the lunch room eating breakfast and watching TV," Kyle Seager said. "I had my iPad going with the Draft on. I saw the Mariners were picking, so I was watching and saw his name come up. I just jumped up looking for somebody to high-five or something. It was awesome. That was a really special moment."

The newest Seager brother was an offensive force for UNC-Charlotte, hitting .351 with a .484 slugging percentage. He drove in 40 runs during his junior campaign. For his efforts, Seager was named Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year.

After playing shortstop in high school, Seager was converted to a first baseman during his first two years at Charlotte and then played left field this past season. It is expected he'll be a first baseman in the Mariners' organization. McNamara said that he'll start in Class A Everett when he signs.

"He bounced all around in college," his brother said. "He played some first, some third, left field, second base. He's a versatile kid, a really good athlete and he can play multiple positions. That will only help him when he gets to pro ball."

Jacob Thorpe is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.